"Surviving my Pulmonary Embolism"

Having suffered a bit of shortness of breath and collapsing 3 times at home over the previous weekend, I was rushed by Ambulance to Basildon on Monday 11th March 2013. Having just turned 48 and in reasonable health with no previous or family history of heart failure or PE, the initial diagnosis was mystifying.

On the way to x ray I collapsed briefly in the corridor and was moved to a more central cubicle in A&E. Whilst being assessed I collapsed a second time while laying down. I came around to be surrounded by doctors and nurses carrying out an ECG convinced I had just had a heart attack. In amongst the voices was one which was questioning the decision, this was my fantastic Consultant. He had a suspicion of PE even though I had not presented any signs at admission. By Midnight having had a CT scan he was able to confirm the diagnosis and start the correct treatment straight away. By 4.30 I was on AMU East and although ill was greeted by the extremely friendly and professional nursing staff. By 10.am the Doctors had explained to me how close I had come to dying, and explained the treatment they were going to carryout. Over the next 24 hours all the staff from A&E, that had been on duty that night popped in to check on my progress and say hello.

I was released the following Friday and the period in between leaves me with one thought and one thought only! "Thank you to all the staff at Basildon Hospital. The professionalism showed and levels of care given to me went above the call of duty. My wife was kept informed of my progress at all times and was reassured at all times. This has been the most frightening time of my life, in which I nearly died. The fact that I am able to write this is testament to the treatment I received at Basildon Hospital"

Responses

We have noticed that a number of comments posted on the NHS Choices some time ago did not receive a posted response from the Trust, for which we offer our sincere apologies.

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